ACMT certification equivalent??

[takenforgranite]

I'm not sure if this is the right category, mods, please move it if need be.


I have poked at Macs for a few years, primarily focusing my attention on windows boxes. Decided it was time for a change and walked off my job. Now I have an opportunity at a Mac shop. Of course, knowing little of Mac, that scores me entry level position. Learning is not an issue, but there is precious little material available, and my online courses have nothing Apple.

Long story short, is the hardware side of the ACMT cert similar to the hardware side of A+? or is it something I should study for? How different can they be, shy of some terminology? Does anyone have any resources for this stuff?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[14049752]

I'd highly suggest studying for the Apple exams. The tests aren't really hard, per se, but they're somewhat specific. I took the ACPT and ACDT tests a few years ago and have recertified a few times since....the ACMT is just a combination of the two (and I'm being lazy and putting off recertifying on that...).

A few examples I remember from the test (and I'm just writing to give you an idea, I'm not actually looking to see if it's accurate)

True or False: Using a 65w adapter on an iBook will charge the battery faster than a 45w adapter. (That's an actual question...the answer is false)

Of the models below, which system(s) accept PC2700 DDR Ram:
iMac G3, Powermac G4 (Quicksilver), iMac G5, or Mac Mini
(Example question, that one...just random models off the top of my head...)

I also remember a few tricky questions about required components for certain diagnoses... Like there was one when I first took it that asked the question something like "Which component isn't required to diagnoses XYZ problem?" Speakers, hard drive, power supply, or logic board.....and you're thinking "Speakers" (at least I was) but I was wrong, because the test is a little bit about how Apple wants you to diagnose and repair their machines.

The recert tests are a little easier, as they're open book, but they're the same types of questions.

Hopefully that made some sense and gave you an idea on why you should read over the material, especially since you're just starting out.

 

[takenforgranite]

ya, thank you! i figured hardware is hardware... and it is i guess, but hardware for apples and oranges...

Any good sources for free/cheap study materials?

 

[14049752]

Is the shop you're working for an ASP? If so, get them to set you up with a GSX account (gsx.apple.com), there are some self study materials on there. Otherwise, I don't know of any free study guides online. You could check your library or something for the study books, but I found those to be extremely wordy and not very helpful.
I'm sure there are some braindumps around somewhere, if you look hard enough.

 

[takenforgranite]

Not sure I got the job yet, trying to diversify so even if I dont get this, I can get something else. I don't really like corporate and enterprise level stuff (mcsa). I'd really rather do desktop/laptop support, cuz youre always someone's hero if you fix it. And I like being a hero once in a while.

Anyway, thanks for the help! If anyone else has knowledge of free/cheap training, im all ears/

 

[dracken]

I know they used to sell an applecare technician training kit to study for the exams. I think someone mentioned it was the same as the online study material from Service Source. The material when I took the tests were straight from the study guides there, and the questions were pretty specific. I know they made ESD and technician safety a must pass part of the exams. I just finished the ACMT recertification courses which are much easier being open book.

 

[Alana]

Deal with the difficult while it is yet easy; deal with the great while it is yet small Lao Tzu

 

[Alana]

apple exams

Where would you study for these exams ? Is there a particular site where that is possible? thank you Alana

 

[dracken]

http://training.apple.com/certification/acmt

That is the Apple site for the ACMT tests. the link on the right has the apple technician training.

http://www.peachpit.com/store/product.aspx?isbn=0321455010

They make a study guide for the exams also.

 

[pcmac]

I also took applecare technician training kit 5 yrs ago ,I use it as a reference,but it's expensive for $300, and soon becomes obsolete

you can find lot info on apple site & discussion forums by searching

your certifications are focused on large corporate networks, different from a Mac shop

PC's break down more often and make up 95% of the market, which is why I very seldom get a Mac service call

 

[dracken]

I also took applecare technician training kit 5 yrs ago ,I use it as a reference,but it's expensive for $300, and soon becomes obsolete

you can find lot info on apple site & discussion forums by searching

your certifications are focused on large corporate networks, different from a Mac shop

PC's break down more often and make up 95% of the market, which is why I very seldom get a Mac service call

I think it really depends on where you are located at though. I would say half of what we service where I work is Apple. I work at a local University that uses alot of apple machines. Most of the apple machine's that I do work on tend to have hardware issues rather than software problems though.

 

[MrUnknown]

why the hell hasnt MagicOPromotion been banned yet?

 

[Daifne]

Good question. I've reported it four times now...

 

[abe]

it seems bryce is too busy.

who was first dafnie me or you